Rooney: Carrick victim of low profile nature

Manchester United midfielder Carrick won only his 33rd cap in the 14 years since his full Three Lions debut when he arrived as a sub against Italy on Tuesday and turned the tide to earn Roy Hodgson’s side a 1-1 draw.

Carrick was the forgotten man of the ‘golden generation’ - consistently overlooked by Sven Goran Eriksson, Steve McClaren and Fabio Capello as fellow midfielder Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and David Beckham all clocked up more than 100 caps.

Eriksson, in particular, often seemed starstruck by those stellar names.

(Image: Reuters)

But current England captain Rooney says Carrick – who was left out of last summer’s World Cup squad by Hodgson – is not under-estimated at Manchester United, where he has won five Premier League titles and a European Cup.

Now, at the age of 33, Carrick could finally become a nailed-on international starter.

Remarkably, he will become the longest-serving England outfield player since Sir Stanley Matthews if he makes it to the Euro 2016 finals in France next summer.

Club and country colleague Rooney said: “I think Michael is ready to be an integral part of the team. I think he was probably more of an easy choice to leave out of the England team when we had big-name players in the squad – unfortunately, that’s how it’s been for Michael.

Thursday's United stories from other papers & websites

Van Gaal watches Depay on Holland duty

Louis van Gaal and members of his backroom staff were spotted watching Memphis Depay on Wednesday night, according to the Manchester Evening News.

The 21-year-old PSV Eindhoven winger starred as Holland beat Spain 2-0 in a friendly in Amsterdam.

United are likely to mount a bid for the highly rated attacker dubbed the new Arjen Robben in the summer.

Depay has hit an impressive 17 goals from only 24 Dutch Eredivisie appearances this term, plus a further six in nine Europa League games.

Di Maria to snub PSG

Angel Di Maria will knock back the advances of Paris Saint-Germain this summer to stay at Old Trafford, according to the Sun.

The Argentine attacker has been in woeful form for the Red Devils since the turn of the year leading to speculation that he could be ready to quit England just one season after joining United for a Premier League record transfer fee.

PSG were interested in Di Maria before he joined United and are likely to reignite their interest at the end of the season.

However, the 27-year-old is desperate to prove himself in Manchester and rediscover his early season form.